react-router vs react-router-dom vs @react-navigation/native vs @react-navigation/stack vs react-navigation
React Navigation Libraries Comparison
1 Year
react-routerreact-router-dom@react-navigation/native@react-navigation/stackreact-navigationSimilar Packages:
What's React Navigation Libraries?

These libraries provide routing and navigation capabilities for React applications, allowing developers to manage navigation between different screens and components effectively. They cater to various use cases, from mobile applications to web applications, ensuring a seamless user experience. Each package has its unique features and design principles that suit different development needs, whether for mobile or web environments.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
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Publish
License
react-router12,529,99154,1252.36 MB2697 days agoMIT
react-router-dom11,480,13954,1255.44 kB2697 days agoMIT
@react-navigation/native1,300,00223,831421 kB8072 months agoMIT
@react-navigation/stack601,27923,831805 kB8072 months agoMIT
react-navigation70,63623,831698 B807a year agoMIT
Feature Comparison: react-router vs react-router-dom vs @react-navigation/native vs @react-navigation/stack vs react-navigation

Platform Compatibility

  • react-router:

    Designed exclusively for web applications, it provides a powerful routing solution that is not applicable to mobile environments.

  • react-router-dom:

    This package is specifically for web applications built with React, providing additional features for DOM manipulation and routing.

  • @react-navigation/native:

    Designed specifically for React Native, this package provides mobile-optimized navigation features and is not intended for web applications.

  • @react-navigation/stack:

    Also tailored for React Native, this package focuses on stack navigation, making it ideal for mobile apps but not suitable for web environments.

  • react-navigation:

    Aimed at both React Native and web applications, this package offers a unified approach to navigation, though it is now less commonly used in favor of more modular alternatives.

Navigation Model

  • react-router:

    Employs a route-based navigation model that allows for dynamic routing and nested routes, providing a powerful way to manage complex navigation scenarios in web applications.

  • react-router-dom:

    Extends the react-router model with additional components for managing navigation in web applications, including links and route matching.

  • @react-navigation/native:

    Utilizes a declarative navigation model that allows developers to define navigation structures in a clear and intuitive way, enhancing maintainability and readability.

  • @react-navigation/stack:

    Follows a stack-based navigation model, allowing for easy management of screen transitions and back navigation, which is essential for mobile applications.

  • react-navigation:

    Offers a flexible navigation model that supports various patterns, including stack, tab, and drawer navigation, making it versatile for different application needs.

Ease of Use

  • react-router:

    Known for its flexibility, it may require a deeper understanding of routing concepts, which can pose a challenge for new developers.

  • react-router-dom:

    Offers a user-friendly API that is easy to integrate into web applications, making it accessible for developers transitioning from other routing solutions.

  • @react-navigation/native:

    Offers a straightforward API that is easy to learn for developers familiar with React Native, making it accessible for newcomers to mobile development.

  • @react-navigation/stack:

    Provides a simple API for implementing stack navigation, making it easy to manage screen transitions without complex configurations.

  • react-navigation:

    While comprehensive, it may have a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features and configurations, which can be overwhelming for beginners.

Community and Support

  • react-router:

    One of the most widely used routing libraries for React, it has a large community and extensive documentation, providing ample resources for developers.

  • react-router-dom:

    As the primary routing solution for React web applications, it enjoys strong community support and is frequently updated with new features and improvements.

  • @react-navigation/native:

    Backed by a strong community and maintained by the React Native team, ensuring regular updates and support for new features and best practices.

  • @react-navigation/stack:

    Part of the React Navigation ecosystem, it benefits from community support and extensive documentation, making it easier to find help and resources.

  • react-navigation:

    Although still supported, it is gradually being replaced by more modular packages, which may affect its long-term viability and community focus.

Performance

  • react-router:

    Highly performant for web applications, it efficiently manages routing and state, ensuring quick navigation without unnecessary re-renders.

  • react-router-dom:

    Built on top of react-router, it maintains high performance for web applications, with optimizations for DOM manipulation and rendering.

  • @react-navigation/native:

    Optimized for mobile performance, it ensures smooth transitions and efficient memory usage, crucial for mobile applications with limited resources.

  • @react-navigation/stack:

    Designed for stack navigation, it provides efficient screen management and transitions, ensuring a responsive user experience on mobile devices.

  • react-navigation:

    While comprehensive, it may introduce overhead in certain scenarios, especially if not configured properly, which can impact performance in larger applications.

How to Choose: react-router vs react-router-dom vs @react-navigation/native vs @react-navigation/stack vs react-navigation
  • react-router:

    Use this package if you are developing a web application and need a powerful routing solution that allows for dynamic routing, nested routes, and a straightforward API for managing browser history and navigation state.

  • react-router-dom:

    Choose this package specifically for React web applications, as it extends the capabilities of react-router with additional components and hooks tailored for DOM manipulation, making it ideal for single-page applications.

  • @react-navigation/native:

    Choose this package if you are building a React Native application and need a robust navigation solution that integrates well with the mobile environment, providing features like gesture handling and deep linking.

  • @react-navigation/stack:

    Opt for this package when you want to implement stack-based navigation in your React Native app, allowing for a straightforward way to manage screen transitions and back navigation in a hierarchical manner.

  • react-navigation:

    Select this package for a comprehensive navigation solution that works across both React Native and web applications, providing a unified API for managing navigation in different environments, though it is now largely superseded by the modular navigation packages.

README for react-router

react-router is the primary package in the React Router project.

Installation

npm i react-router